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LEARNING TO WRITE IN ENGLISH: Essays
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Writing the Main Body of the Essay
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1. The Purpose of the Main Body
Presents an argument, developed through paragraphs.
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2. The Content of the Main Body
Be relevant. Look at the particular topic - not on one that is roughly similar. Be selective about the material you include.
Summarize and discuss any previous research on the topic. Make
sure you reference all the material you use.
Argue for and against arguments that you have read in textbooks. Add your own ideas.
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3. The Structure of the Main Body
The main body of an essay is divided into paragraphs.
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a sequence of sentences that present a brief argument with one controlling idea that relates to your essay topic.
State the central idea of each paragraph explicitly in a topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.
The body of a paragraph develops and demonstrates what your topic sentences state. Where appropriate, the topic sentence is backed up with supporting evidence, quotations, critical opinion (references).
Develop your paragraph from your topic sentence as follows:
Explain more fully what you mean, giving definitions or indicating distinctions.
Offer details, examples, or relevant quotations (with your comments).
Follow through a logical sequence, showing the connections among your ideas in a recognizable pattern such as cause and effect or comparison and contrast.
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Diagram for complete paragraph:
Assertion
Critical discussion; References; Quotations
Conclusion
Try numbering your sentences to see how they correspond to this pattern. This will show if you have placed too much emphasis on one aspect of the argument of your paragraph. Such diagrams enable you to make sure that your thoughts are developed logically through a paragraph, with enough evidential support.
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